I'm not one for being politically correct (depending on the issue), but I have to admit that the word "religious" makes me cringe just a little bit. I wouldn't go so far as to say that the word shouldn't be used or that it offends me, per se. I just don't like the stigma attached to it.
Denotatively, the word means nothing negative. It means faithful, churchgoing, God-fearing, etc. Regardless of the legitimate definition, what's more important is how society construes the term. According to Urban Dictionary, the word "religious" means the following:
1. "Impervious to logical reasoning."
2. "Believes in things ludicrous by nature, undereducated, and easily usurped, religious types play into a great pyramid scheme which takes complete advantage of their natural gullibility, and has more or less created an army of zombie zealots who are used to push political agendas and moral acumen against the greater good of mankind. See Jim Bakker, George W. Bush, Clement IV."
3. " Something which is both hilarious and deeply saddening."
Knowing that this is how some see "religious" people, the dictionary definition becomes irrelevant. While the dictionary definition is technically correct, it seems as though the majority of people use the word negatively. When someone asks me if I'm "religious" they normally ask condescendingly.
This isn't the only reason why I don't like the label "religious". Another reason is because, even myself, when I think of the word "religious" I think of works. I think of a book of rules. It doesn't make me think of someone who has a relationship with the Lord. It makes me think of someone who tries to do everything right and knows nothing of grace. It's traditionalism without the concern for God's presence. It makes me think of someone who slaves away at a to-do list but isn't filled with the Holy Spirit. It reminds me of people who sit in church every Sunday but don't apply scripture to their lives. It makes me think of having a holier than thou attitude. It feels more like pointing the finger rather than loving the sinner.
I don't call myself religious because, to me, it's all about a relationship with Christ. It's not about being better than everyone else. It's not about shaming people who don't know God. It's about leading people to Christ. It's about showing them His love. It's about a friendship with Jesus who teaches you right and wrong. It's about knowing Jesus as the father to the fatherless. It's all about Him. It's about serving Him because I love him, not completing tasks to "earn" heaven. It's about finding freedom in His love and it's about loving His people. It's about having faith in Him and trusting Him. It's about becoming humble and learning from Him.
Jesus is greater than religion. He is the one who was slain to forgive us. He's the one who seeks us. He's the one who loves us through our troubles and our slip-ups. He's the one who won't forsake. These are all things that a rulebook can't provide. The "religion" is not a savior. Being "religious" doesn't mean you know Jesus. I am not religious. I am a follower and a lover of Christ.
"Religion puts you in bondage, while Jesus sets you free." -Jefferson Bethke
